Taking back the reins of a business is a double-edged sword. We benefit from a clientele that is sometimes well established, that’s the positive side. But the other side of the coin is often having difficulty asserting your new identity.
Between disrupting (and risking losing) the regulars and bringing your own touch, the line is ultimately fine. This balancing act, they are right in it.
Four new bosses from Toulon tell us about their adventure.
The Claret Cellar and Wine Bar
If there's one thing that hasn't changed here, it's the friendliness. We can even say that Arnaud Lacroix, on the subject, is still raising the bar.
It was he, supported by his wife, who took over the business on October 23.
He knows the place well. He has been a very regular customer since the opening of the cellar in 2008. At the time, however, his professional life was a long way away. He is a soldier in the Hubert commando. Until the bend.
“I think that the fact of not being in the business helps us, in the end. With customers in particular. Obviously, we were in their shoes not long ago. We know their needs, their expectations.”
What does the new retailer want to do with his brand? A place where we discuss, a place where we meet. And above all a place where we discover wine.
“In the cellar, I have between 400 and 500 references, including a large corner dedicated to local products. At the bar, too, we have a very eclectic choice to encourage discovery.”
Enough to enjoy an afterwork and more if you like. Especially since tapas (or rather small hot dishes to share) are also offered à la carte (between 6 and 12 euros).
Both the cellar and the wine bar fit perfectly into Claret. And Arnaud cares about that. “Here, there is a real neighborhood life, and I am proud to participate in it. It's very dynamic. Since the opening, we have noticed a great solidarity between the traders, it's really nice.”
112, avenue Émile Vincent. Cellar open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. from Tuesday to Saturday (closed Thursday, Monday and Sunday afternoon). Bar Tuesday to Saturday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Le Carmen
The ambition of Alexandre Lucas and Baptiste Gil is to make Mourillon the heart of Toulouse nightlife again. A hell of a gamble in the face of competition from the city center. But they believe it! “We want to make Carmen a landmark. Give the place a soul”they assure in chorus.
By taking over this bar, they quickly wanted to put their touch on it. “We are doing a lot more cocktails including signature and premium cocktails. We have also developed the wine list.”
Another element that they absolutely want to integrate into the DNA of the establishment: entertainment. “We organize a themed evening every week. We brought in a DJ, this Thursday it’s Beaujolais Nouveau, the following week there will be oysters…”
Also note that you don't just drink at Carmen, you can also eat snacks there: boards, tapas… 59, rue Pascal. Tuesday to Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Possibility of privatizing.
The Hall Bar
The oldest bar in Toulon was taken over at the end of the summer by Virgil Palazzolo. Very “neighborhood bar” oriented during the day, in the evening it opens up to a different population. Especially for music lovers.
It must be said that concerts are multiplying there. All styles. As proof, the next one, this Thursday, combines the oud and the double bass.
It is this variety of public that pleases the new boss. “Here, you might as well have a coffee for 1 euro (the cheapest in Toulon, Editor’s note) than cocktails or wine.”
He, who ran a restaurant near Marseille, has also worked in music for 25 years. A few meters from the bar, he opened Bad Taste, which is both a flea market and a record store.
When the opportunity presented itself to combine his two professional interests, he did not hesitate. “All this happened quickly. And we continue to evolve the proposal. We will, for example, soon serve daily specials.”
Fish market square. Wednesday to Saturday 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.
The cheese counter
One of the great cheese shops in the city center has chosen a new passionate manager! Joris Maurer has been working in the field for more than eight years.
But running your own business is a first. “I think I have been able to get the best out of all the establishments in which I have worked”he smiles.
At the Comptoir des fromages, there is always so much choice. But the Toulonnais also offers creations. The raspberry and hazelnut triple cream already has its fans.
The store also offers groceries, “where we favor local products. The honey comes from Revest, the olive oil from Aups, the delicacies from Biscuits du Faron…”explains Joris.
But the big news is the relaunch of the “cheese bar”. “This is the challenge that I have set for myself. We can now have a snack, a drink… on Thursdays and Fridays. With why not small concerts in the future.”
Peace Street. Open from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. (10 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays). Closed on Monday, Wednesday afternoon and Sunday.
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